Carmelo Anthony Trade Rumors: Nuggets and Lakers Begin Trade Talks

Earlier in the week, it was speculated that Carmelo Anthony was going to be a New York Knick, barring a setback in a three-team trade that would send the disgruntled star to the Eastern Conference.

There have been reports today that the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets have began talks that would involve moving Carmelo further west.

When asked if the deal would take place, one of the sources said "The Lakers are definitely an option."

Are the Knicks out of the Carmelo Anthony race?

At this point, nobody knows. These rumors should be viewed as Denver trying to get the best possible outcome out of trading 'Melo.

It was speculated that the Nuggets would have gotten the short end of the deal if they traded Carmelo to the Knicks. Anthony is a free agent at the end of this NBA season, so it was even logical to think that the Nuggets would keep him until his contract actually ran out.

Since the talks have heated up for Carmelo, the Knicks are going to have to put a bigger offer on the table if they are serious about a trade.

The Lakers interest in Carmelo just put the ball back in the Nuggets' court. With just over two weeks left before the trade deadline, this will be a very hot topic until a deal is done or until the deadline passes.

It also helps that Carmelo put up 50 points against the Rockets on February 7th.

Does this move make sense for the Los Angeles Lakers?

As of late, the Lakers haven't been playing up to their standards. Success in basketball hinges on the teamwork with the five guys on the court, and the recent "demise" of the Lakers has been attributed to selfish play.

It would be interesting to see Carmelo and Kobe playing on the same team, no doubt, but it is hard to believe that this move would increase team chemistry.

However, if there is anyone who knows the game of basketball, it is Phil Jackson. If Phil saw this move as necessary, it would be hard to doubt him.

It is also rumored that Andrew Bynum will be the foundation of this trade for the Lakers. Bynum, once seen as a potentially great player, has been slowed by knee injuries. At just 23-years-old, this doesn't foreshadow a very bright future for Bynum. He still has great potential, nonetheless.